The safest solution: Keep your dog indoors
If your dog typically spends long hours in a yard during the spring, summer and fall months, consider inviting him to spend his winter safely indoors. Now is a good time to ask yourself the reason for keeping him outdoors in the first place. Do you believe he exercises himself? In fact, most dogs spend the majority of their time sleeping, which can be accomplished more cozily in the house. Is indoor misbehavior the most compelling reason? Problems such as separation anxiety (which results in excessive barking, destructiveness and housetraining accidents in response to owners leaving the house) or incomplete housetraining can be addressed with the help of your veterinarian or a behavioral specialist. You might be surprised at the benefits provided by a brisk, aerobic daily walk (for both of you) - typically much more exercise than any dog receives while unsupervised in a yard.
Winter safety and the outdoor dog
Dogs with year-round access to the outdoors are better suited to tolerate cold temperatures than are dogs accustomed primarily to an indoor life. If your dog must spend time outdoors, consider whether she has had an opportunity to adapt to the cold. Her winter schedule should ideally involve less time outdoors.
Cold temperatures alone, to approximately 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit, are relatively well tolerated by dogs. However, it is very important to factor such things as snow or sleet, wind and wind chill when considering the safety of your pet. Even the hardiest of outdoor dogs will require shelter during severe winter weather. Dogs are susceptible to frostbite, typically on the tips of their ears and on paws, and can suffer from hypothermia, a life threatening condition requiring emergency veterinary care. Seek help right away if your dog appears lethargic or unresponsive and feels cold to the touch; warming should be gradual and never abrupt.
To prevent hypothermia and frostbite, dogs kept outdoors should have at-will access to a dry shelter, out of the range of wind and snow. If you are using a dog door (for example, leading to a garage), be sure your pet is familiar with its use well before the winter months. Dogs walked on leash will benefit from a coat, which can protect your pet¡¯s sensitive chest and abdominal areas.
Check your dog¡¯s water bowl at least twice daily to be sure the water has not frozen. Dogs cannot obtain the water their bodies need by licking only ice and therefore the risk of dehydration is possible. Outdoor dogs will also require a higher caloric intake in their diet during the cold months.
Another factor to be aware of during the colder months is the safety of your dog around chemicals such as anti-freeze. This is a very toxic substance that can be life-threatening if ingested by your pet.
While walking your dog on snowy streets, try to circumvent heavily salted surfaces. Road salt can be very irritating to your pet¡¯s sensitive paw pads. It is not uncommon for dogs to simply sit or lie down, refusing to proceed another step (which can result in an excruciating walk home if you live with a Newfoundland). Rubber boots are available for dogs particularly sensitive to salt.
The family dog is fully capable of joining her owners while sledding, skiing or simply romping through winter¡¯s weather. But even hardy dogs are safest and most content when they spend the rest of their winter day curled up by the hearth - dreaming of the first robin of spring.
